Natural geotexiles need to be viewed more as a Geotechnical rather than only as a Bioengineering material. It is suggested that this transition is closely linked to growth in application of geosynthetic materials in India, which would necessitate a pro-active role of User Agencies especially of these related to roadways, waterways and land development. The relevant R&D institutions too need to overcome certain ingrained mental blocks and follow developmental paths outlined in this paper